Ranked by MOT fails against cars the same age and mileage, 3 to 15 years old

Suzuki models ranked by MOT fails

Q: Which Suzuki models have the fewest MOT fails?

247,306 MOT tests at 3 to 10 years put the Suzuki Vitara first: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85); ranks 1 to 2 overlap, so it is level with the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Next is the Suzuki Grand Vitara: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85).

Q: Which Suzuki models fail their MOT most often?

26,454 MOT tests at 3 to 9 years put the Suzuki Baleno last of the 10 in this list: 40% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage.

Q: How many Suzuki models are compared?

10 models with at least 1,000 MOT tests at each age counted, 1,407,140 MOT tests in all; 0 fail at least 20% less often than cars the same age and mileage and 1 at least 20% more often.

DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 1,407,140 MOT tests · Updated 7 Oct 2026

Suzuki Vitara ranks first among Suzuki models (95% rank range 1–2, level with the Suzuki Grand Vitara): no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85) (247,306 MOT tests) ^[1].

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10 models ranked, 0 with at least 20% fewer MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (95% interval, at 3 or more ages), from 1,407,140 MOT tests ^[1]
Suzuki Grand Vitara is next: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85) (37,243 MOT tests)
Suzuki Baleno is last of the 10: 40% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (26,454 MOT tests)

Which year and engine a car has, and how it was kept, decide where one car sits in these ranges. Check the reg first.

Fail rates are for the model across its MOT tests, never a forecast for one car.

No model in this list clears the award rule (at least 20% fewer MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage, with the 95% interval, at 3 or more ages).

This is DVSA MOT data, not road tests, owner surveys or breakdown records, and nobody paid to be included. Each model is compared with all cars tested at the same age, in the same mileage band and in its own mix of test years, so a low-mileage model does not look better for its low mileage. "Most reliable" in our titles is measured as MOT failure rate at the same age and mileage, not breakdowns.

Suzuki models: the ranking

Ranked by MOT fails against cars the same age and mileage, from 10 models with at least 1,000 MOT tests at each of 3 or more ages between 3 to 15 years (pooled). The range under each rank is where the model could sit once sampling error is allowed for. Each adjusted rate reads against its own all-car rate, because models are tested at different ages.

Top 10 of 10. Adjusted rate = the model's rate at typical mileage for its own ages, against all cars at those ages; raw = its own ages and mileage.
#95% range	Model	Against cars the same age and mileage	Adjusted rateits own ages, typical mileage	Rawits own ages and mileage	MOT tests	Next step
11–2	Suzuki Vitara (first used from 2015)small SUV	close to averageratio 0.85 (0.84–0.86)	14.3%all cars: 16.8%	14.0%	247,306at 3 to 10 years	Suzuki Vitara MOT fail rate · Suzuki Vitara common problems
21–2	Suzuki Grand Vitarafamily SUV	close to averageratio 0.85 (0.84–0.86)	32.1%all cars: 37.7%	31.1%	37,243at 9 to 15 years	Suzuki Grand Vitara MOT fail rate · Suzuki Grand Vitara common problems
3certain	Suzuki Celeriocity car	close to averageratio 0.89 (0.87–0.90)	17.7%all cars: 19.9%	15.0%	109,699at 3 to 10 years	Suzuki Celerio MOT fail rate · Suzuki Celerio common problems
4certain	Suzuki Jimnysmall SUV	close to averageratio 0.93 (0.92–0.95)	25.2%all cars: 26.9%	21.4%	45,489at 3 to 15 years	Suzuki Jimny MOT fail rate · Suzuki Jimny common problems
5certain	Suzuki SX4small SUV	close to averageratio 1.01 (1.00–1.02)	27.0%all cars: 26.6%	26.2%	149,620at 3 to 15 years	Suzuki SX4 MOT fail rate · Suzuki SX4 common problems
6certain	Suzuki Swiftsupermini	close to averageratio 1.03 (1.02–1.03)	26.3%all cars: 25.5%	24.9%	464,370at 3 to 15 years	Suzuki Swift MOT fail rate · Suzuki Swift common problems
7certain	Suzuki Ignis (first used from 2016)city car	close to averageratio 1.05 (1.03–1.07)	15.7%all cars: 14.9%	13.6%	85,641at 3 to 8 years	Suzuki Ignis MOT fail rate · Suzuki Ignis common problems
8certain	Suzuki Altocity car	close to averageratio 1.13 (1.12–1.14)	36.9%all cars: 32.7%	32.1%	176,578at 7 to 15 years	Suzuki Alto MOT fail rate · Suzuki Alto common problems
9certain	Suzuki Splashcity car	close to averageratio 1.18 (1.17–1.20)	40.8%all cars: 34.4%	35.0%	64,740at 8 to 15 years	Suzuki Splash MOT fail rate · Suzuki Splash common problems
10certain	Suzuki Balenosupermini	40% more fails (37–43% more)	24.7%all cars: 17.7%	23.2%	26,454at 3 to 9 years	Suzuki Baleno MOT fail rate · Suzuki Baleno common problems

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The top 10 in this list, model by model

1 · About average

Suzuki Vitara (first used from 2015)

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.84–0.86), from 247,306 MOT tests at 3 to 10 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 14.3% (14.1%–14.4%), against 16.8% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 14.0%. Rank range 1–2.

Check before you buy: no part fails significantly more often than on cars the same age (ages 3 to 15).

Suits: buyers looking at a small SUV; the ones tested were mostly petrol; this row covers cars first used from 2015.

2 · About average

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.84–0.86), from 37,243 MOT tests at 9 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 32.1% (31.6%–32.6%), against 37.7% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 31.1%. Rank range 1–2.

Check before you buy: no part fails significantly more often than on cars the same age (ages 3 to 15).

Suits: buyers looking at a family SUV; the ones tested were 74% petrol, 26% diesel.

3 · About average

Suzuki Celerio

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.90), from 109,699 MOT tests at 3 to 10 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 17.7% (17.4%–17.9%), against 19.9% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 15.0%. Rank range 3–3.

Check before you buy: fails on visibility 1.6–1.7× as often as cars the same age (6,318 fails in 110,627 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a city car; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

4 · About average

Suzuki Jimny

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.95), from 45,489 MOT tests at 3 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 25.2% (24.7%–25.6%), against 26.9% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 21.4%. Rank range 4–4.

Check before you buy: no part fails significantly more often than on cars the same age (ages 3 to 15).

Suits: buyers looking at a small SUV; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

5 · About average

Suzuki SX4

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.02), from 149,620 MOT tests at 3 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 27.0% (26.7%–27.2%), against 26.6% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 26.2%. Rank range 5–5.

Check before you buy: fails on brakes 1.35–1.40× as often as cars the same age (11,612 fails in 150,478 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a small SUV; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

6 · About average

Suzuki Swift

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.03), from 464,370 MOT tests at 3 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 26.3% (26.1%–26.4%), against 25.5% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 24.9%. Rank range 6–6.

Check before you buy: fails on brakes 1.37–1.40× as often as cars the same age (34,645 fails in 466,503 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on visibility 1.3–1.4× as often as cars the same age (25,613 fails in 466,503 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a supermini; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

7 · About average

Suzuki Ignis (first used from 2016)

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.05, 95% CI 1.03–1.07), from 85,641 MOT tests at 3 to 8 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 15.7% (15.4%–15.9%), against 14.9% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 13.6%. Rank range 7–7.

Check before you buy: fails on suspension 2.4–2.5× as often as cars the same age (4,245 fails in 86,194 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a city car; the ones tested were 58% petrol, 42% hybrid; this row covers cars first used from 2016.

8 · About average

Suzuki Alto

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.12–1.14), from 176,578 MOT tests at 7 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 36.9% (36.6%–37.1%), against 32.7% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 32.1%. Rank range 8–8.

Check before you buy: fails on visibility 1.6–1.7× as often as cars the same age (13,384 fails in 177,726 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on lights and electrics 1.2–1.3× as often as cars the same age (27,855 fails in 177,726 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a city car; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

9 · About average

Suzuki Splash

Why it ranks here: No clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.17–1.20), from 64,740 MOT tests at 8 to 15 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 40.8% (40.4%–41.2%), against 34.4% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 35.0%. Rank range 9–9.

Check before you buy: fails on brakes 1.58–1.65× as often as cars the same age (8,025 fails in 65,467 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on suspension 1.48–1.53× as often as cars the same age (11,947 fails in 65,467 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a city car; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

10 · 40% more MOT fails

Suzuki Baleno

Why it ranks here: 40% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage (ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.37–1.43), from 26,454 MOT tests at 3 to 9 years. At typical mileage its rate would be about 24.7% (24.2%–25.3%), against 17.7% for all cars at the same ages; raw (its own ages and mileage) 23.2%. Rank range 10–10.

Check before you buy: fails on suspension 2.8–3.0× as often as cars the same age (2,485 fails in 26,797 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on visibility 1.7–1.8× as often as cars the same age (1,531 fails in 26,797 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted); fails on brakes 1.3–1.5× as often as cars the same age (1,267 fails in 26,797 MOT tests at ages 3 to 15, not mileage-adjusted).

Suits: buyers looking at a supermini; the ones tested were mostly petrol.

How to choose Suzuki models with this list

Compare like with like: against cars the same age and mileage, this list runs from about average (Suzuki Vitara) to 40% more (Suzuki Baleno).
0 of the 10 fail at least 20% less often than cars the same age and mileage and 1 at least 20% more often; the other 9 are within that band, or too uncertain to say.
Look at what a model fails on: 7 of the 10 models above have a part that fails more often than on cars the same age.
Then check the one car: its own MOT history and advisories say more about it than its model's average.

Found one on the list? Check that car

A ranking compares models at the same age and mileage; it cannot say how one car was kept. A registration shows that car's own DVSA record: its MOT tests, the mileage at each test and the recall flag.

Free car check by registration The MOT record, the mileage readings and the recall flag in one overview, with how the model does at its MOT.
Check any car's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
Mileage check by registration The odometer reading from each MOT, with drops, jumps and long gaps flagged.

How we rank

1,407,140 MOT tests from 2022–2025 of cars 3 to 15 years old. For each model and age, the tests are split into 6 mileage bands (<30k, 30-60k, 60-90k, 90-120k, 120-150k, 150k+); the expected fails are what all cars of that age would fail in the same bands, corrected to the model's own mix of test years. The ratio of the model's fails to the expected fails sets its place. The adjusted rate is that ratio times the all-car rate at the model's own ages, so it reads against that rate: a model tested only at 3 to 5 years is compared with young cars, not with this list's average.

The 95% intervals cover sampling error only (Wilson intervals). A model is called fewer or more only when its interval is at least 20% from the all-car rate, overall and at 3 or more ages ("close to average" when the interval excludes the all-car rate by less); awards use the same rule. Test years: Each model's expected fails therefore use its own mix of test years 2022–2025, age by age; the mileage bands themselves pool the four years, which can leave a small bias in favour of models first sold late in the window. Generations of a model are pooled unless the data splits them; each row says which years it covers. How we compare

Limitation: MOT tests record roadworthiness defects on the test day. They do not record breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs, and they cannot separate design from upkeep: a model whose owners service it before every MOT looks better here. Only cars still on the road are tested.

More lists

Questions people ask

Which Suzuki models have the fewest MOT fails?

247,306 MOT tests at 3 to 10 years put the Suzuki Vitara first: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85); ranks 1 to 2 overlap, so it is level with the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Next is the Suzuki Grand Vitara: no clear difference from cars the same age and mileage by our 20% rule (ratio 0.85).

Which Suzuki models fail their MOT most often?

26,454 MOT tests at 3 to 9 years put the Suzuki Baleno last of the 10 in this list: 40% more MOT fails than cars the same age and mileage.

How many Suzuki models are compared?

10 models with at least 1,000 MOT tests at each age counted, 1,407,140 MOT tests in all; 0 fail at least 20% less often than cars the same age and mileage and 1 at least 20% more often.

Sources

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 1,407,140 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.